Vidal Martinez

Vidal Martinez, 93, of La Junta passed away June 11 2012 at the Pioneer Healthcare Center in Rocky Ford. He was born on March 29, 1919 in Higbee, Colorado to Manuel & Vivianita (Villarreal) Martinez. He married Dora Mestas on September 9, 1945; she preceded him in death in July 1985.
Vidal served in the U.S. Army during WWII with the 85th Infantry Division, cook, and bugler. After returning from the war he ranched in the Higbee area until he moved to La Junta. He loved dancing, eating good food and enjoyed meeting and conversing with everyone he met. He will be truly missed by all.

He is survived by special friend Vidalia Cordova and numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brothers, Alex, John, and Manuel Martinez and sisters, Vivian Torrez and Josephine Martinez.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be Tuesday, June 19, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. and Funeral mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe / St. Patrick Parish with Father Alphonsus Ihuoma officiating.  Interment will follow at Ft. Lyon National Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 18, 2012 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel.